What is "Hammer Toe"?

The term hammer toe refers to
a common deformity of the foot in which either the second, third, or fourth toe
is bent at the middle joint, so that the tip of the toe is bent downward while
the middle of the toe is cocked upward resembling a hammer. The hammer toe deformity is the most common deformity of the small
toes.

When a hammer toe first develops, it can be bent back into its normal
position. If not treated, a hammer toe may become rigid and require surgical
correction in order to correct the deformity. Symptoms and signs associated with
hammer toe include corns or calluses on the affected toe and pain in the
affected area. It may be difficult for people suffering from hammer toe to find
comfortable shoes.

A common cause of hammer toe is wearing shoes that do not
fit properly. Poorly-fitting shoes can hold the toes in an abnormal position and
result in tightening of the muscles required to maintain that position. In
particular, shoes that have high heels and are narrow at front tend to push the
toes into an abnormal, bent position.

Less commonly, diseases of the nerves, muscles, or joints
(such as arthritis) can result in the hammer toe deformity.

If you have hammer toe, avoiding tight shoes and high
heels may provide relief. Initial (non-surgical) treatment for hammer toe
involves wearing shoes with plenty of room in the toe area. Shoes should be at
least one-half inch longer
than the longest toe. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the toes (such
as picking up items with the toes or stretching the toes by hand) are also
recommended. Sometimes orthopedists recommend special pads, cushions, or slings
to help relieve the pain of hammer toe.